“Superb”, “fabulous”, “just brilliant”, “totally enjoyable”, “it brought back the magic to Millport”, “can you do something like this regularly?”

Not my words (although I totally agree with the sentiments) but comments received from all ages and interests regarding the “Sail & Oar on Cumbrae” weekend. Yes! The weather played its part too but from everyone’s lips came the same sentiment - it was one of the most enjoyable weekends on Cumbrae for many a long year.

A completely international event, where the crews from the different counties joined locals and visitors in celebration of a common maritime culture and history. The displays of woodcraft and boat building skills, music, children’s story telling and real wooden boats provided a centre of interest on land. On the water the sight of Highland and Irish Galleys under oar being rowed at speed into Millport bay brought just a hint of how terrifying it must have been to watch a war galley approaching your village to raid & plunder (and carry off your woman folk). Thankfully the crews this time were friendly.

Encouraging the public to get on the water, the “Try a Sport” event run by Cumbrae’s own National Watersports Centre, proved very popular throughout the weekend and the RWSABC (Royal West of Scotland Amateur Boating Club) wooden clinker built boats were in continuous use taking passengers around the bay. Many historic wooden boats arrived to moor in Kames Bay for the event to help to make the scene reminiscent of the early 1900s.

GalGael, as the Scottish based organisers of the event, proved to be ideal organisers, right down expelling from the Island the only one person who stepped out of line. The Ceilidh on the Saturday night was a melting pot of Celtic cultures where everyone joined in with the fun.

The Islanders enjoyed the event, the traders were happy and the visitors were raving about it. This is indeed the type of themed event that must be encouraged if tourism is to be attracted back to the Island, and of course being rounded off with the re launch of the Millport Raft Race was just the icing on the cake of a truly splendid weekend.

Congratulations to all involved, CCDC Board (past & present), the Garrison team & other staff, local traders, GalGael, Millport’s own Country Dancers, the National Water Sports Centre and the RWSABC and of course the locals who supported and embraced the whole event. Particular thanks are also due to Jane Cook whose hard work in securing the event for Cumbrae against stiff competition ensured that it came to Cumbrae in the first place.

This first Sail & Oar on Cumbrae can be the stepping stone to achieving even greater success in the future – well done Cumbrae!